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Earthwatch is currently seeking proposals from field-based researchers to engage members of the public (recruited by Earthwatch) in their research addressing critical environmental issues in cold climate environments.

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Program Description
Earthwatch aims to create opportunities for teams of adults and students (age 15-18) to participate and assist in the research and data collection of scientists working on active research projects. Earthwatch participants are highly motivated citizens from around the world who are dedicated to improving environmental understanding.

There is a wide range of potential field research topics appropriate for these grants. Projects should display a set of clearly identified research questions, with appropriate research design and methodology. Earthwatch is looking to support projects with outputs/impacts that will either: a) lead to significant advancement in scientific understanding or b) make significant contributions to environmental policies or management plans.

Research topics that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to:

Research with a connection to polar bears, bears, bison, caribou, or reindeer.

Concept Notes and Proposals
Concept Notes for projects starting in spring or summer 2015 will be accepted through Monday, December 9, 2013. Invitations for full Research Proposals will be communicated in late December.

Research tasks in which non-specialists (i.e. member of the public or students) can participate in data collection or scientific observation

Project should meaningfully engage a minimum of 4 and up to 20 Earthwatch participants per team on 4 to 10 teams per year. Each team spends 7-14 days in the field.

Location: We are seeking projects within polar, arctic, tundra, and taiga regions. Of particular interest are projects taking place in Alaska, Labrador, or Patagonia.

Comfortable accommodations for the proposed project must be located a reasonable travel distance from the research site in order to travel back and forth daily.

Ability to conduct fieldwork in March, April, June, July, and August is preferable.

Students are a key participant group for Earthwatch; it is advantageous for applicants to be open to student participants (age 15-18).

Applications are to be submitted in English and project must be conducted in English.

Grants
Annual grants cover expenses for the project while in the field including: equipment (under US$1000), tools, supplies, research permits, scientist transport to the field, support staff, and food and accommodation for PIs, staff, and Earthwatch participants. The grants do not cover scientist salaries, overhead, capital equipment, and post-expedition data analysis. For successful proposal a budget will be negotiated in partnership with Earthwatch, but usually average around US$20,000. The research proposals are tenable for four years, and potentially renewable.